SMS Based Ticketing System launched by Railways

Want to book train tickets within minutes? What if Railways allow bookings through Mobile?

Yes… You are thinking right…

In order to provide improved customer service, Indian Railways have launched SMS Based Ticketing System for passengers.

You can get your ticket details through SMS instantly and can even get PNR status through SMS. No needs to go for any internet connection, just the basic mobile phones are sufficient.

As 8 out of 10 people carry mobiles with them, this facility helps the passengers who doesn’t have access to Internet and cannot afford to buy smart phones.

This Service is effective from 28th June 2013.

As internet access in India is only about 10%, 4 out of 10 passengers book their tickets online. Most of the people cannot use the online booking facility. So this facility is more helpful for non-internet based users who can book their train tickets through mobile phones.

Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge launched the SMS-based ticketing system, a pilot project of Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).IRCTC’s successful effort in making railway ticket booking even easier through SMS or menu based USSD technology which works on all mobile phones.

This service is not specific only to book tickets. Passengers can even search for Stations, trains, PNR status and even they can make cancellations.

Further improvements like alerts, updates, and more payment options will be added very soon, says Railway Board Chairman Vinay Mittal. Commercial Banks, RBI and National Payment Corporation of India are working on providing a safe, secured and quick payment mechanism through mobile.

With Two dedicated numbers 139 and 5676714 you can book train tickets through SMS.

5) Make payment by sending an SMS to 139 as specified below:PAY <Transaction ID as received><IMPS><Your MMID as received from the bank><OTP, your one time password received for this transaction><IRCTCUserID> and your ticket is booked.